subject: Garage Door Openers: Open Sesame! A Review Of Types [print this page] Are you in the market for a new garage door opener? Maybe your last one stopped working, or maybe you've never had one before. Interested in finding out about the best system? In times not so long ago, it used to be considered a luxury to have a garage door opener. Now it's a standard feature of almost every home!Ah, the Beauty of Mechanics
Who says we have to get out of the car just to get back in and put the car away? No one does now! What used to be unheard of has become commonplace in a majority of today's homes. Because we humans are always looking for more efficient and effective ways to accomplish different daily tasks, the industry of mechanics is constantly updating and improving products that are currently in use. And who would object to the presentation of a better way to do things?
A Breakdown of the Systems that Won't Break Down Without a Fight
More than likely, the garage door opener that you choose will fall into one of the three main categories, of which the distinguishing factor is the mechanical drive in use. The first and most common is the chain-driven opener, followed by the screw-driven and belt-driven systems.
Chains
As mentioned earlier, this structure is one of the more popular types. It is considered to be less expensive, as well as being the most reliable out there. There is one main drawback to the chain--it's noisy. Actually, it's the noisiest one of the bunch. This could be bothersome if your garage is attached to the house and your living room is in close proximity.
If it's separate from the house, it shouldn't be much of a nuisance. However, this momentary disturbance is not so bad when compared to the idea of living near a train track, right? Another thing to consider with the chain type is the horsepower of the motor. Typically, 1/2 horsepower is enough for residential use, but if you want that door moving up and down faster, you can upgrade to a 3/4 horse and race your neighbors!
Belts
While chains are reliable, they are noisy, after all. For some people, that's just not something they can deal with. If you're looking for a quieter alternative, try a belt-operated structure. These are deemed to be the absolute best in the industry. They are equally reliable to chains, but with the added benefit of being nearly silent. The rubber belt drive will cost more than the previous one, but it might pay for itself in saving your sanity with less noise to block out.
Screws
Screw-driven openers are the noisiest and slowest systems out there, but they're also the least expensive of all the models. This method employs a threaded steel rod in place of a belt or chain. One major setback is that it relies on a consistent climate for optimal use.
So, the installation of this particular system would only be advised in places where the weather is mostly constant in temperature. If you do not use your garage much, this model might work for you, provided that you live in a temperate area. Also, they are somewhat harder to find than others, as there is less demand in the market.
For more information on this topic, contact your local home improvement store or a professional in the industry. Always search for and study the most updated information you can find before venturing out to make a serious purchase.
